RIP Lesley Long

It is with great sadness that I write to tell you that yesterday the equestrian community lost one of its greatest members. Lesley Long passed away peacefully at the hospital surrounded by those closest to her. In November, Lesley was involved in an accident while clipping a horse that caused her to suffer a severe head trauma. Before starting her own business with daughter Kerri, Lesley spent over 10 years at Liz Patrick’s Waters Edge Farm, where she was a tremendous influence, as well as educator, to so many horses and riders. In effort to help Lesley’s family with hospital bills, as well as placement of the horses, fundraising is being put in place. Eventing Nation would like to send our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to Lesley’s family and friends during this devastating time. Please know that the entire eventing and equestrian community is behind you to offer support as you mourn this terrible loss. 

I would like to say thank you to EN’s good friend, Kerry, for telling us a little more about Lesley…

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It is with a heavy heart that I write this. On Wednesday we lost our dear friend and fellow eventer Lesley Long.  About three weeks ago Lesley suffered a traumatic brain injury after being kicked in the jaw.  Sadly the injury to her brain was devastating and just too much for her body to combat.  Those of us lucky enough to call her a friend are simply at a loss.  Lesley was a tremendous rider, instructor, mother, wife, and friend.  

 

Lesley was a devoted horse woman her entire life.  A USEA Level 1 instructor, Lesley had over twenty years of professional experience.  She had a vast background of experience with training racehorses, timber horses, and hunt horses.  She had a talent for starting young horses and had a love for the off track TB.  For many years she volunteered at Days End Farm Horse Rescue.   Most recently she and daughter Kerri began LK Sport Horses, where Lesley passed her knowledge on to her students.  

 

It is hard to put into words the loss that her family and friends are feeling today.  Her family took comfort in knowing how loved Lesley was not just by her family but by the riding community as well. 

 

Ride on Lesley